Erling Haaland has been granted additional time to recover before Manchester City return to Premier League action against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
The Norwegian striker had a demanding international break and was substituted during Norway’s 2–1 defeat to Portugal.
His early departure initially raised concerns that he could have picked up an injury just days before City’s important trip to Merseyside.
However, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has indicated that Haaland’s withdrawal was mainly related to fatigue rather than a serious injury. The forward had been carrying a heavy workload for both club and country and was described as being physically exhausted.
Solbakken explained that Haaland was among several players who had been given a short period of time away from their clubs after the international fixtures. Haaland reportedly used the opportunity to take a brief break before returning to Manchester City.
The Norway boss stressed that the workload placed on Haaland is particularly demanding because City compete across several competitions and the striker is one of their most important players.
Haaland has also been in excellent form for City this season. He has featured in every match so far and has already scored five Premier League goals, while also finding the net twice in City’s Champions League victory over FC Porto.
City facing Liverpool amid financial controversy
Haaland’s return comes at a crucial moment for Manchester City. Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool will be their first game since an independent commission’s verdict on the club’s long-running financial case became public.
Manchester City were originally charged by the Premier League with 115 alleged financial-rule breaches covering the period from 2009–10 to 2017–18. The club has consistently denied the accusations.
Following a lengthy legal process, the independent commission found City guilty on 114 of those charges. The club has since lodged an appeal and continues to maintain that it is innocent.
The verdict has created significant attention around the club ahead of the Liverpool match, with City’s players expected to face questions about the situation once they return to club duty.
Tuchel admits the case is being discussed
England manager Thomas Tuchel also acknowledged that the verdict has become a talking point among Manchester City’s players.
Tuchel said the issue is naturally being discussed because it is a major development surrounding the club. He explained that City players are receiving plenty of messages, calls and reactions from people regarding the case.
Despite the off-field controversy, City’s immediate focus will be on their Premier League campaign. Their clash with Liverpool at Anfield is expected to attract enormous attention, both because of the importance of the fixture and because of the circumstances surrounding City’s financial case.
For Haaland personally, the extra recovery period should give him an opportunity to regain his energy before what could be another physically demanding encounter.
Manchester City will be hoping their leading striker returns to training fully refreshed and ready to lead the attack against Liverpool. (thedugout.football)